Coast Guard rescues two aboard disabled vessel near Togiak, Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak rescued two people aboard a disabled vessel near Togiak in Tvativak Bay Sunday.

The helicopter crew hoisted a man and a pregnant woman from the 29-foot fishing vessel Yo Yo, homeported in Dillingham, and safely transferred them to Togiak.

Watchstanders at the 17th District command center in Juneau received a report from the crew of the Yo Yo that the vessel’s engine was disabled and weather conditions were worsening. 17th District watchstanders requested the launch of the helicopter crew and a C-130 Hercules air plane crew from Kodiak while the crew of the Yo Yo slowly made their way toward safe shelter under minimal power.

The C-130 crew arrived on scene first and monitored the Yo Yo’s progress until the vessel’s crew reported weather conditions were too dangerous to continue and requested rescue. There were no reported injuries.

“Our hoist capable helicopters are an ideal resource to respond to emergency situations in Alaska,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Amy Canny, a watchstander at the 17th District command center. “The weather in Alaska’s waters can turn at any moment and our crews regularly train to conduct rescues and provide communications with endangered mariners in adverse conditions.”

The weather on scene was reported to consist of 10-foot seas with 35-mph winds and overcast skies.